The hub includes a fully furnished space to support whānau to connect with each other, to meet and plan together and to connect with the Paiheretia Kaiarataki Navigators and other local community supports.  The hub will be used so whānau have a safe space to come together, so that they can access positive social supports in the community, including access to a gym and hauora centre to support whānau wellbeing.

This Te Karere video provides an insight into the mahi involved in the Paiheretia kaupapa.

Choyce, who is a Te Puni Kōkiri kaimahi supporting Paiheretia te Muka Tāngata, said she wanted to mihi to Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi for the amazing mahi they are doing with many of our whānau in Te Tai Tokerau. 

“From the stories shared on the day the hub was opened, they are changing lives and creating the conditions for whānau ora.”

Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Corrections) and the Ministry of Social Development have worked with Māori providers, iwi, hapū and the local community over the past three years to design better ways to support whānau who have a loved one in prison or on a community-based sentence or order.

In Northland, Te Puni Kōkiri and Ara Poutama Aotearoa have partnered with Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine Health Trust,  Te Hā Oranga, and Waitomo Papakāinga Development Society to deliver the Paiheretia Kaiarataki Navigator service.

Paiheretia is about partnering with local Māori communities to create the conditions for whānau ora through kaupapa Māori and whānau-centred approaches.

Jay Hepi from Ngāpuhi said the hub will support whānau with everything from employment and social engagement to physical wellbeing.

“This is much more than just a gym.  Through our kōrero, through our partnering and supporting whānau we can create miracles.”

Pauline Hopa, Corrections Director Māori Pathways, said opening the hub was the culmination of three years of work and reflected the vision of Ministers who wanted whānau and tāne to be supported while in prison and in their transition to their communities.

“Whānau do those lags with their tāne.  Paiheretia is about our whole community and where oranga is the kaupapa.”